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4.1 Graphs

The graph of an equation may formally be defined as the set of points which satisfy that equation. Given a specification   tex2html_wrap_inline37549 the graph tex2html_wrap_inline37551 of S is defined as follows:  

math24890

For example,

math24894

The formalism alone does not fully communicate the true nature of graphs: the visual nature of geometry must be reconciled with the dry, algebraic character of the formalism presented to fully capture the true nature of graphs. Mathematicians often refer to graphs as relations [65]. This is clear, as the formal definition of a graph is identical in graph theory [41] and geometry, but the two concepts are commonly thought of as distinct.


next up previous notation contents
Next: 4.1.1 Rendering Up: 4 Graphs Previous: 4 Graphs
Jeff TupperMarch 1996